The AI Entrepreneur
Innovating with Artificial Intelligence
Luca Grilli(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Will be published approx. on 30. November 2026
Book
Hardback
300 pages
978-1-009-62126-7 (ISBN)
Description
Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as a force set to radically transform entrepreneurship. This book takes a more analytical approach, asking what AI truly changes-and what it does not-about the role of innovative entrepreneurs in advanced capitalist economies. Integrating AI into established economic theories of entrepreneurship, Luca Grilli develops new conceptual frameworks informed by emerging empirical evidence on the nature of AI entrepreneurship. His analysis shows how AI frequently reinforces incumbent advantage while also generating forms of systemic lock-in around large, AI-driven ecosystems. These dynamics risk narrowing the space for genuinely innovative ideas, thereby reshaping the conditions under which entrepreneurship can thrive. Against this backdrop, The AI Entrepreneur reflects on how institutions and economic policy can safeguard space for entrepreneurial agency, preventing the AI entrepreneur from becoming a postmodern simulacrum confined within increasingly 'fenced' forms of capitalism.
Reviews / Votes
'This important book paves the way into uncharted territory for thoughtful and penetrating analyses of the links between artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. The author uses his command of both the scholarly literature but also the most compelling policy debates to cement the intellectual foundation for a new field of research.' David B. Audretsch, Distinguished Professor and Ameritech Chair of Economic Development, Indiana University 'Artificial intelligence is having a profound impact on society, and entrepreneurship is no exception. Many important questions surround how new ideas will be developed and exploited in an era of massive data sets and trained algorithms. The AI Entrepreneur revisits the traditional entrepreneurial frameworks that have guided our thinking about new ventures over the past century and seeks to discern how they will be transformed by this critical new technology.' Josh Lerner, Jacob H. Schiff Professor, Harvard Business School 'This book demystifies what AI means for entrepreneurial action and opportunity creation. It provides a clear and compelling guide to AI's role in entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for students, researchers, and policy makers navigating this fast-moving field.' Vera Rocha, Professor, Copenhagen Business School 'Writing a book on AI takes courage. Grilli dives deep into the academic literature, reconsidering a range of entrepreneurial processes in light of AI. Bold, often contrarian, consistently thought-provoking and chock-full of great research ideas. A worthwhile read for any scholar of entrepreneurship.' Olav Sorenson, Joseph Jacobs Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies and Professor of Strategy and Sociology, Anderson Graduate School of Management, UCLAMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
ISBN-13
978-1-009-62126-7 (9781009621267)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 11/2026
Cambridge University Press
€35.00
Not yet published
Person
Luca Grilli is Full Professor of Business and Industrial Economics at Politecnico di Milano. He is among the most cited social scientists in innovative entrepreneurship and has advised government in this field. This book builds on more than two decades of scholarly research with policy-relevant implications.
Content
Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Part I. Basics: 1. Capitalism and innovative entrepreneurship; 2. Artificial intelligence: setting the scene; Part II. The Encounter: 3. Artificial intelligence and the entrepreneurial idea; 4. Can artificial intelligence be entrepreneurial?; 5. Artificial intelligence and success in innovative entrepreneurship; 6. Phenomenology of the start-up in the AI era; Part III. Policy Challenges: 7. The perils for the AI entrepreneur; 8. AI entrepreneurship policy and institutional reforms; Conclusion; References; Index.